Moving to Australia
Whether you are returning home to Australia or moving here for the first time, Overseas Packers & Shippers can coordinate your international move from your current home anywhere in the world through to delivery at your new home in Australia.
Through our trusted international network, we can arrange the origin survey, professional packing and collection, international shipping, Australian Customs and biosecurity clearance, storage if required, and final delivery and unpacking.
Because our team is based in Australia, we do not simply hand your shipment over when it arrives. Our experienced Imports team manages the Australian arrival and clearance process and keeps you informed through to final delivery.
Moving to Australia from Anywhere in the World
You do not need to find one removalist overseas and another company once your belongings reach Australia.
Through our established international network, we can coordinate your move from virtually anywhere in the world. We arrange for a trusted moving partner in your current country to manage the local survey, packing and collection, while Overseas Packers & Shippers coordinates the move through to Australia.
Once your shipment reaches Australia, our own team takes control of the destination process, including Customs and biosecurity clearance, storage where required, and delivery to your new home.
This gives you one coordinated door-to-door international move, with experienced moving professionals managing the process at both ends.
Australian Customs & Biosecurity – Managed by Our Team
Australia has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity requirements, so experience at the Australian end of your move is particularly important.
Overseas Packers & Shippers operates a Customs-bonded warehouse in Brisbane with approved biosecurity facilities for the handling, inspection and treatment of imported household belongings. Biosecurity inspection forms a required part of the import-clearance process for the household-effects shipments we handle, and Australian biosecurity officers attend our facility to inspect goods on site.
If biosecurity officers identify an item requiring cleaning, our approved on-site biosecurity wash bay allows directed cleaning to be carried out at our facility, helping us manage the process efficiently without unnecessarily moving the goods to another location.
Where other treatment, further inspection or additional action is directed, our Imports team will coordinate the required steps and keep you informed before the shipment is released for delivery.
Our facility and experienced Imports team are a major advantage for customers moving to Australia because we can manage the arrival, inspection and clearance process directly rather than relying on a third-party depot to control this stage of the move.
Shipping Options to Australia
Whether you are bringing a few boxes, selected furniture or an entire household, we can arrange a shipping solution based on the size of your shipment, origin country, timeframe and destination in Australia.
Depending on where you are moving from, options may include:
- Groupage / Shared Container
- Less than Container Load (LCL)
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- Air Freight
We will coordinate with our overseas partner to determine the services available from your location and help you understand which option best suits your move.
Australian Biosecurity – What Should I Know Before Packing?
Australia carefully controls goods that may carry soil, plant material, insects, animal products or other biosecurity risks. Items that have been used outdoors often require particular attention.
Examples can include:
- Bicycles, scooters and sporting equipment
- Golf clubs and golf shoes
- Camping and hiking equipment
- Garden tools and outdoor furniture
- Footwear that has been used outdoors
- Vacuum cleaners
- Items containing untreated plant or animal material
- Food, seeds, plants and other regulated products
Make sure outdoor and recreational equipment is thoroughly cleaned before it is packed, and declare relevant items accurately. We will provide the current customs and biosecurity information for your move so you know what needs to be considered before your belongings are shipped.
If biosecurity officers direct cleaning after inspection, our approved wash bay allows eligible items to be cleaned on site under the required biosecurity controls.
Not Ready for Delivery?
If your new Australian home is not ready when your belongings arrive, we can arrange secure storage at our Brisbane facility until you are ready for delivery.
This can be particularly useful if you are staying in temporary accommodation, waiting for a property settlement or have not yet secured your permanent home.
Bringing a Car or Motorbike to Australia?
Importing a vehicle into Australia involves separate vehicle-import approval, Customs, tax and biosecurity requirements.
If you are considering bringing a car, motorbike or other vehicle with you, speak with us before arranging shipment. We can explain the shipping process and direct you to the current Australian Government vehicle import requirements so eligibility and approvals can be addressed before the vehicle leaves origin.
Vehicles also need to meet Australian biosecurity cleanliness requirements. Our approved facilities allow us to coordinate inspection and, where directed, eligible cleaning requirements on site.
Bringing Your Pet to Australia?
Australia has strict requirements for importing pets, and the process often needs to begin well before your household move.
While Overseas Packers & Shippers does not transport pets directly, we can obtain a quote on your behalf from one of our trusted specialist pet relocation providers. If you decide to proceed, we will introduce you directly to the specialist, who will then manage your pet’s travel arrangements and Australian import requirements with you.
This allows you to start planning your household move and your pet’s relocation through the one conversation with our team.
Professional Packing for Your Move to Australia
Through our international partner network, we can arrange professional export packing at your current home before your belongings are shipped to Australia.
From everyday household belongings and furniture through to artwork, fragile pieces and special items, the origin team will use packing methods and materials appropriate for international transportation.
A detailed inventory is prepared as part of the move and is used during the Australian Customs and biosecurity clearance process.
A Trusted International Network
Overseas Packers & Shippers has been moving people and their belongings internationally since 1976.
As a FIDI FAIM accredited mover and one of only four OMNI members in Australia, we work with trusted professional moving partners around the world to coordinate the origin stage of your move and bring your belongings through to Australia.
Once your shipment arrives here, our experienced Australian Imports team manages the destination process through to delivery.